Actress Kim Poirier on the trials, tribulations, tears and ultimate triumphant of making it in Hollywood

She’s blonde and beautiful and hugely successful in her native Canada, where she is highly regarded as an actress, singer, film producer and television host.

And now Kim Poirier is starting to attain that same sort of attention in Hollywood, thanks to her role as both an actress and also a producer in the much-touted new zombie flick, 100 Days of Death.

But the path to Tinseltown was not initially paved with gold– there were a lot of tears and rejection along the way.

In this new interview, she opens up about her admiration for Drew Barrymore and Sarah Jessica Parker and encourages young actresses everywhere to never give up on their dream.

Celebzter: Can you tell us a little about journey into acting. How did you know it was for you?Kim: Well my first so-called gig was actually in my mom’s tummy. She was pregnant while filming a show – that’s when I caught the bug! I don’t think I ever thought it was “for me” necessarily, truth is, I couldn’t live without it. I did 30 commercials growing up and have been working consistently since I was 19. I also got into hosting, producing, voice work, and I’m currently learning to direct. All aspects of film, TV and the entertainment industry interest me.

Celebzter: What was your breakthrough role?Kim: My breakthrough role from being a commercial actor, to a series lead was on Paradise Falls. I shot 102 episodes and that was quite the journey. Roxy Hunter (my character) was an 18-year-old troubled teen that lived in a trailer with her alcoholic mother. She wasn’t a bad girl though, quite the opposite. She was a good girl who was dealt a really bad hand of cards. Her vulnerability and her willingness to be open despite everything she went through is inspiring to me. It didn’t harden her; it made her stronger.

Celebzter: Did you shed many a tear along the way; face rejection?Kim: Of course! I still do. I think being in this industry you have to accept that rejection is part and parcel. Truth is, most of the time it’s not personal. You may be too tall, too short, too blond, too pretty, not pretty enough, you looked like someone they knew and didn’t like… You may not get hired for a myriad of reason and you never really know why. As long as you do your best, at the end of the day, that’s what counts. I had to start trusting that “what was meant to be, will be”. In terms of the struggle, when you fight for something you believe in, it feels really good when you get there because you earned it!

Celebzter: What was one thing that kept you going through those initial days when you were starting out?Kim: A few different things actually… To start, I always had solid friendships that made me feel really grounded, supported, loved, and kept me real and authentic. I also was fortunate to have really strong acting teachers who believed in me. And then there is also this “inner knowing”, an internal compass of sorts that keeps pushing you and driving you to do your best. Some days are harder than others when you are starting out, and a little dose of faith can be very comforting.

Celebzter: Was going from Canada to Hollywood a frightening experience?Kim: It was exciting, challenging, thrilling…it was a lot of different emotions all at once. I came to LA for an all expense paid audition when I was 12 and I always knew I wanted to live here. I felt it in my soul. I also had to learn how to drive when I moved here (Toronto is similar to New York in that everyone walks everywhere, takes a cab, or public transit). Then there was the immigration process, making new friends, breaking into this city work wise…certainly was a mouthful to chew on but the transition was so worth it.

Celebzter: How did you get involved with 100 Days of Death? What are you most excited for with this project?Kim: I’ve been working with Moving Pictures Media Group for about two years now and 100 Days of Death is one of our projects in the slate. What excites me the most is the franchise aspect. This project isn’t just a film! It started with a novel, we are about to launch a Kickstarter campaign for the graphic novel with Tommy Castillo, the film script is being written, and we are also planning a video game and phone app. So audiences will really have the chance to enjoy the adventure on many different platforms.

Celebzter: What do you think about zombies in general?Kim: I think zombies are the epitome of Man’s fall from grace. Should an epidemic sweep across humanity, I think zombies would personify that disease. From the perspective of a viewer, they are scary and haunting. From the point of view of an actor and being on set and hanging out with them, they are really cool to look at! I love special effects makeup and the transformation process.

Celebzter: Which current actress in Hollywood do you admire?Kim: Sarah Jessica Parker – I love the initiative she took with producing “Sex in the City”, not to mention that I’m a huge fan of her work. She’s a mom and career women, her fashion sense and style is impeccable, and I admire all the humanitarian work she’s done. It’s a hard balance and she juggles it well. I’m also a huge Chelsea Handler fan. She’s so funny, honest, unfiltered, and a terrific host on her show. Mostly what I admire and respect are people who have made a difference regardless of their career choices or gender

Celebzter: You produce also… which Hollywood producer do you look up to?Kim: I love the Drew Barrymore and Jodie Foster approach wherein they started to produce content and stories that mattered to them. As actors, we can fall victim to being at the whim of someone else’s ideas and stories. It’s empowering to start delivering projects that truly mean something to you. Something you were inspired by right from the start and have a clear focus and direction to bring to life. Drew Barrymore started her own company, and Jody Foster started producing her own work. This kind of progression is something I relate to and live by. I’m not very good at waiting around, I like to make things happen and take the initiative. Also, I’m very much inspired by Gail Anne Hurd, Kathleen Kennedy, and I love Kathryn Bigelow!

Celebzter: What advice would you give to young women out there who want to dip their toes into acting and/or producing?Kim: Don’t take “no” for an answer, don’t quit, and stop caring about what people think about you. Now here’s the caveat, that doesn’t mean be careless, rude, obtuse or unreasonable. It’s incredibly important to be aware of your surroundings and sensitive to people around you. But within that, don’t get bogged down by other’s projections or opinions (because sometimes they can be based on their own limitations, not yours). Take in feedback, but distill it. Sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but in your heart of hearts, you know what’s real. Trust your instincts. They will steer you in the right direction and keep you safe. And get a massage! Relaxation and feeling good is key.

Celebzter: What inspires you the most?Kim: Running really inspires me. Being outside in nature, sweating, and physical exertion keeps me sharp and flowing with ideas. Traveling also ignites an internal fire within me. Being outside of your habitual rhythm affects the way you think. Plus the “distance” can shift your perspective. Also, being around other creative, uplifting and positive people. Learning (I know, sounds cheesy) but taking a workshop, or reading, can give you a greater understanding and actually inspire new ideas. Walking around in a busy city, music, movies, and really good food! I’m a total foodie. Inspiration is everywhere; you just need to be open and present to receive it.

Melissa Myers
Melissa Myers has worked as an entertainment journalist for ten years,
both in London and New York.
She now focuses much of her time helping bring inspiring stories to light and, additionally, her project "Makeover with Meaning," which seeks to add a sprinkle of happiness into the lives of those who need it most.

And baby makes three-- well, three babies that is for Leah Messer-Calvert.
In Touch magazine is exclusively reporting...

February 4, 2013

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